How to Make a Salty Dog Drink
Mixology has gone to the dogs—the Salty Dog, that is—the flavor fusion of grapefruit and vodka, enhanced with a salt-rimmed glass.
Table of Contents
Ever had a Salty Dog? You’d remember if you did. It’s the one with that inimitable super tart taste embellished with the salted rim. It mixes vodka and grapefruit juice to make one seriously savory beverage.
And if you haven’t heard of a Salty Dog, you probably have heard of its sibling, known as the Greyhound. It’s a whole lot like the Salty Dog without the salted rim. Or you may be familiar with the Paloma, which also features grapefruit juice and a salted rim. For me, that’s what makes the Salty Dog your top dog: the rim.
So whether you’re a die-hard cocktail fan or just getting started on your own mixology journey, learning to make a Salty Dog is absolutely worth the effort. Grab your shaker, let’s make the magic happen right in your kitchen!
INGREDIENTS
Going to the dogs? Here’s what you’ll need…
- 2 oz. vodka
- 4 oz. grapefruit juice
- salt (for rim)
- ice cubes
- grapefruit slice (for garnish)
Bar Checklist
- cocktail shaker
- jigger or measuring tool
- plate
- short glass or old-fashioned glass
- strainer (if not included in shaker)
INSTRUCTIONS
Rim
Rub a grapefruit slice around the edge of the glass. Dip the top of the glass in a plate of salt.
Ice
Fill the glass with ice cubes.
Shake
In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka and grapefruit juice. Shake well for about 15–20 seconds.
Strain
Strain the mixture into the glass. Garnish with the grapefruit slice.
ENJOY!
How to Make a Healthy/Low-Calorie Salty Dog
- Swap out the regular vodka for a lower-calorie version.
- Use freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, not the store-bought kind.
- If you need some sweetness, turn to stevia or a little honey.
- Don’t skip the salted rim, for that gorgeous Salty Dog presentation.
- For a Salty Dog mocktail, substitute the vodka with grapefruit soda.
Tips & Tricks to Making a Perfect Salty Dog
- Reach for quality vodka and fresh grapefruit juice.
- Using a grapefruit wedge to moisten the rim of your glass will help the salt adhere better.
- Shake your mixture well, for at least 15 seconds.
- Serve immediately. A Salty Dog doesn’t benefit from sitting and diluting.
- Experiment with flavored vodkas or adding a splash of soda water for a fizzy twist.
FAQs
The average Salty Dog will run you 150–180 calories. Of course, it depends on which brands of juice and vodka you use. And remember, fresh juice will contain less sugar than what you’ll find in the store.
Ice cold and freshly mixed. You’ll find it refreshing, tangy, and a little salty. Sip it straight from the glass, and make sure to get a lick of that salty rim with each sip, which will balance out the tartness of that grapefruit.
The charm of the Salty Dog lies in the grapefruit’s unique bitter-sweetness, so to lose it would mean you’re not really having a Salty Dog. You could give lemon or lime juice a whirl but remember, they usually have a sharpness beyond that of grapefruit. You’ll probably need to experiment with the vodka-to-juice ratio if you’re switching it up, and even add some sweetener to mellow it out.
how to prep and store your salty dog
You can make the vodka and grapefruit juice mix ahead of time. Just hold off on adding the ice or doing up the rims until you’re about to serve. Any leftover mix can be stored in the fridge (minus the ice).
Don’t wait too long before reaching for round 2, though—a Salty Dog tastes best when fresh. If you got carried away and salted your rims before the drinks were ordered, wrap them up in cling film and put them somewhere cool and dry.
Salty Dog Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 oz. vodka
- 4 oz. grapefruit juice
- salt (for rimming)
- ice cubes
Instructions
- Rub a grapefruit slice around the edge of the glass. Dip the top of the glass in a plate of salt.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka and grapefruit juice. Shake well, 15–20 seconds. Strain the mixture into the glass. Garnish with a grapefruit slice.
Notes
- Shake your mixture well, for at least 15 seconds.
- Serve immediately. A Salty Dog doesn’t benefit from sitting and diluting.
- Experiment with flavored vodkas or adding a splash of soda water for a fizzy twist.
Nutrition
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